Installing switch to kitchen lights?

[Ke1th]

Hi.

I have 3 low voltage halogen under cabinet lights and 6 LED plinth lights in my kitchen. They both run through a transformer into plugs which are not easily accessed. Is it possible to fit switches to these circuits?

Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

It is possible to fit switches in the circuits-

Do you want to have the switches on the mains power side of the circuits or the low voltage side of the circuits?

One of the sparks will hopefully add to this, but I think if you add the switches after the transformer (the low voltage side) it may harm the transformer. I'm not 100% sure about this and so wait for one of the sparks to comment

To add a switch to the mains side of the circuit is relatively easy and can be done with a junction box, some wire and a suitable switch.

[Ke1th]

Hey thanks UHM. Just to clarify- mains power side = plug to transformer. Low voltage = transformer to lights? It would be the mains voltage side if this is correct that I would like a switch put into. I take it my options are any kind of light switch then?

Thanks.

[ultimatehandyman]

Hey thanks UHM. Just to clarify- mains power side = plug to transformer. Low voltage = transformer to lights? It would be the mains voltage side if this is correct that I would like a switch put into. I take it my options are any kind of light switch then?

Thanks.

Yes that is correct.

You would need to isolate the electricity (obviously) and then cut into the wire before it is wired to the transformer.

These wires should be brown and blue.

You can make the connections in one of these, screwed to the underside of the units- http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 7&id=46538

Connect the two blue wires back together.



Put one brown wire in one terminal and the other brown wire in another terminal. Now get a piece of suitable wire to go to the switch and some brown sleeving.

Then wire it up like the diagram I have attached.

I have ommited the earth wires for clarity, but if they are present they must also be connected.

The wires leading to the switch will of course be in the same cable, but due to time limits did not have time to draw it

If there is anything that you are not 100% sure of please ask.





As for switches you can use architrave switches if you like, but you will also need the correct backbox- http://www.screwfix.com/app/sfd/cat/pro ... 1&id=77649

That one is a two gang switch, you can of course get single ones.

[Ke1th]

Hey thanks UHM, it's very much appreciated
Those switches look like just the job

[ultimatehandyman]

Hey thanks UHM, it's very much appreciated
Those switches look like just the job

You are welcome, many kitchen fitters use those in kitchens